The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is set to increase the premium member’s contribution to 4.5% next year (2023) from 4.0% currently.

Janimhe Jalbuna, PhilHealth Region 6 Public Affairs Unit head, said the increase is based on Republic Act (RA) 11223, or the Universal Healthcare Act. Under RA 11223, PhilHealth contributions are to increase annually, which started in 2020.

The increase is said to help the state-run insurer fulfill its directive to implement the government’s Universal Health Care program, said Rey Baleña, a senior manager of PhilHealth, adding that the additional contributions is to sustain the benefits enjoyed by PhilHealth members.

“If we get sick and require hospitalization, even if we don’t want to, [our contributions] help us a lot. They will pay for a big chunk of our medical expenses,” he added.

PhilHealth will also implement new benefits to cover the increase, such as the “Konsulta Package” which would provide outpatient care and health services.

The premium contributions will be collected from those earning at least P10,000 monthly.

Source: Inquirer.net